Merry Christmas!

Making It Lovely

The message of Christmas is that the visible material world is bound to the invisible spiritual world.

Inspiration: Canopy Beds

I love a good canopy bed.  Something about them reminds me of my blanket fort building days when I would drape various colorful quilts and coverlets over anything that would hold the fabric up like a tent.

Delicious Discoveries: Enchanted Leaves

So if anyone feels the need to by me a last-minute Christmas present (*wink, wink*) might I suggest clicking your way over to the Enchanted Leaves online store.  The super-affordable jewelry line is run by husband & wife duo Nedda and Aaron, and features themes from land, sky, and sea.

 

1. Antiqued Brass Owl Earrings - $7.95

2. Vintage Brass Feather Necklace - $18.95

3. Brass Owl Stud Earrings - $10.95

How Cool! - Hand-painted Headboard

Wow.
This is soooo cool to me.
It looks like this is being reflected by some kind of projection...like it's made of light, no?
These headboards by moodlemoodle are actually painted!

Rustic New England Relaxation

After a 2 hour layover at Chicago O'Hare International Airport turned into a 17-hour nightmare, I finally reunited with my family in wintry Connecticut for the holidays.  In honor of the rustic New England style of my home state, I wanted to share this quirky idea I found in my internet surfing last week.

This wall, designed by Camille Soulayrol is covered with little wood rounds and makes me feel like I'm peeking into the window of a cozy, yet modern cabin retreat.  Now, to make some hot cocoa and sit by the fireplace!

A Statement Bedroom

My bedroom feels ignored.  Though I adore the Dwell Studio bedding I snagged on ebay for half the price, it's just not enough to distract from the cold and uninviting white walls and Ikea dresser.  I recently came across some bedroom inspiration, though, that has me thinking about statement pieces.  Perhaps it would be wiser to invest in one or two statement pieces for the room, rather than try to "fill it up" with stuff in an effort to make it feel more cozy.  I'm LURVING this beautiful crochet headboard shown above.  It definitely combines art with function.

Take a look at more statement pieces after the jump.

A Garland For All Seasons

The winter months make me feel kind of gloomy, as there's less light to brighten up the room.  Check out this shiny DIY mirror garland via Apartment Therapy.  It's perfect for the holiday season, but pretty enough to display year-round!

Inspiration: Black Swan

I saw Daren Aronofsky's masterpiece, Black Swan, this past week.  After recovering from the post-traumatic stress, I found myself inspired by the costumes in his ballet-within-a-movie rendition of Swan Lake.

Floating Feather Ornament from Digs

Feather Headboard from Holley & Gill

Peacock Feather Screen from Flickr

Feather Lights from Haldane Martin

 

 Feather Lace Earrings from Anthropologie

Delicious Discoveries: Etsy Taste Test

Are you still scrambling to find some last minute holiday gift ideas?  Or have you finished all your shopping and want to reward yourself with a lovely handmade trinket?  Then mosey on over to Esty and try their new taste test.

The Etsy Taste Test is a visual quiz where you are given several photos of items and you choose the one that you love the most. After a few screens of choosing, Etsy gives you a page of suggestions of things you might like to buy based on what you clicked in the test.  Cool, huh?

Porcelain Bird Terrarium

kgrandey

$ 55.00 USD

Mid Century Modern Tufted Chairs 

thevintagesupp...

$ 875.00 USD

Eight Pure Bliss Eye Pads ...

EasyBaby

$ 10.00 USD

I'm still here!

Though it may seem like I've gone missing...I'm still here!  Sorry for the delay in posting.  I'm just gearing up for my annual holiday trip home.  Stay tuned for some great holiday-inspired updates!

To DIY For: Homemade Lip Balm

 
If the cold December weather is making your skin want to crawl for cover, raise your hand!
*raises hand*

Even in Los Angeles, the cooler dry air in the winter months can be just as drying as the frigid New England wind I grew up with.  Which is why I was giddy when I came across this DIY project that would make a great gift for any of your warm-blooded friends.

With just a few easy-to-obtain items and an hour or two, you can have that pretty pout ready for the misteltoe in no time!

Check out the full instructions on Design Sponge.

To DIY For: Postcard Calendar Journal

 
I came across this sweet little DIY project from Ahsley at Design Sponge and thought it was a pretty clever gift idea.  I think it's safe to say that most of us have tried our hand at keeping a journal at least once in our lives.  And if you're anything like me, you start off strong and eventually taper down to one entry every three to six months.  If like me, you (or a friend of yours) can't seem to find the time to journal, this project is for you.

Ashley says:

The idea is very simple — flip to the current date and at the end of the day, write down something that happened. Some days it is big things like “Annie took her first steps.” Other days it is small, like “needed more than one cup of coffee this morning.”
The first year is the least rewarding, but I imagine that in 10 years, it will be a daily treat to be reminded of what happened on that date over the last decade. I think these would make great gifts this season, not only for adults but also for older kids, baby showers, retirement parties, wedding showers and more. Enjoy!

Check out the full instructions here.

I'm a winner!!!!

Well, I'd like to think we're all winners in life...but today I REALLY AM a winner!  Thanks to Ashley at Decorology for (randomly) selecting me to win a copy of Real Simple magazine's book 869 New Uses for Old Things.  I am a huge fan of Real Simple, as well as Decorology.  Receiving this book in the mail will be a real treat.  Thanks again, Ashley!

Pick up a copy for yourself over at Amazon!

The Big Harumph linoleum prints

I'd like to introduce you to Esty artist The Big Harumph.  These simple linoleum prints offer tell-it-like-it-is quotes and drawings in bold colors and simple lines.

I Love The Shit Out of You 10x18 - $30

10 Mil Besos (10,000 Kisses) 8x10 - $20

Walt Whitman 8x10 - $20

You Won't Get Out Alive 6x10 - $20

From The Big Harumph's Profile:

I am an artist, Spanish teacher, and musician based out of Wichita, KANSAS. I enjoy sparklers, handmade paper, balsamic vinaigrette, friends, travel, nail buffers, and hammocks.

My work here is mostly linoleum prints. I love working with linoleum because of its versatility. I frequently change things up by mixing a new color or layering several images.

I enjoy simplicity in design. You'll notice that a lot of my work is inspired by silhouettes, quotes, and simple ink drawings. I like clean lines. 

Funny Ha Ha! - For my animal loving friends

I want to buy these for my pet-owning friends.

 Pedigree Bowtie Collar by Loyal Luxe

Cat Teepee from Loyal Luxe

These make me want to buy a furry companion just to strap a bowtie on them and sit them in a teepee.  So cute!

Funny Ha Ha! - Icelandic Beard Cap

No words needed, really...but I'm sure you all have at least one funny fellow you could gift this to for the holidays.

Beard Cap by Birkiland $89

Delicious Discoveries: Owl Lover 2011 Calendar

I nearly squealed and jumped for joy when I came across this FREE customizable 2011 Owl Calendar from Shivani at My Owl Barn!  You can choose from owl artwork by 30 different artists to customize and download your own calendar.

Shivani says:

“This calendar is the outcome of my desire to work closely with them and to create something great for all the owl lovers! When I contacted them with my idea for this owl-themed calendar, not only did I receive the custom made wonderful owl art work, but also words of encouragement and best wishes which kept me going. All the beautiful art in this calendar will warm any owl lover’s heart. As beautiful as it is – you can still improve the calendar by customizing it, and picking and choosing the images that you love the most. Yes, that’s right, there are a lot more than 12 images for to choose from, so you can browse through our gallery, and select the ones that you love the most.”

Have fun making your own or creating one for a friend!

How Cool!: Mistletoe Kisstory

Ever wonder about the history of kissing under the mistletoe?

It's believed that the myth of kissing underneath the plant came from Frigga, the Norse Goddess of love. When her son Baldour was born, Frigga made every plant and animal promise not to harm him – forgetting about the mistletoe. When the evil deity Loki shot and killed Baldour with a mistletoe dart, her mourning caused the other Norse Gods to take pity on her and bring Baldour back to life. Frigga declared the plant would always be known to bring love into the world, and not death.

1 Dress, 3 Ways for the Holidays

1 Dress, 3 Ways for the Holidays by Talia T. featuring opaque stockings

Three totally different looks from Anthropologie to stay warm AND chic this winter. All with ONE dress!

To DIY For: Easy Gifts

Not gonna lie.  I totally saw these two ideas on Apartment Therapy and snatched them up.   Some friends of mine should expect to receive these cute little trinkets as holiday gifts.

 Portrait of a collection

Whether it's Star Wars (shown above), Comic book heroes, Jazz musicians, Fruits of the Caribbean...whatever your little heart desires.  A framed grouping of what floats your friend's boat is a thoughtful gift idea.

Soy Container Candles

Oh, come on.  What girl wouldn't fawn over a dainty teacup candle like this?